Let's face it the Ruslan is hardly a beauty but at certain angles it does have a robust charm and is certainly an impressive machine. The AN-124 is the second largest aircraft built, only beaten by the massive six engine AN-225. Ulyanovsk based Volga Dnepr was formed in August 1990 to offer out-sized cargo operations to the world using the giant AN-124 Ruslan.

The AN-124 was designed as an Air Force Strategic transport, flying for the first time in 1982 and being certified for civil operations in December 1992. The aircraft can lift up to 150 tonnes of cargo and 88 passengers in an upper deck. Outside the Russian Air Force Volga Dnepr is the largest operator with 10 on charge. They have been used to carry diverse cargos: from whales to space station components. In recent years Volga’s fleet have been used as part of the NATO Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) programme to provide heavylift capability to NATO countries.

Herpa's mould is street's ahead of Gemini's which has a crazy and very ugly seam around the wings. Given the high wing configuration of the type this is very noticeable and I am a little shocked that in today's scene Gemini were willing to produce it. Just as well Herpa have a mould then. Shame that as always in 1:400 Herpa produces models once in a blue moon and of the 13 AN-124 releases only 4 have been Herpa ones (and two of those are Volga Dnepr).

Still its a great model and I'm very happy with it - except it takes up lots of space! Compared to my smallest 1:400 mould - the Saab 340 you can see its impressive size:

You should add AN-225 to your collection and belittle the AN-124 by having it next to the AN-225! :)

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I'm Richard Stretton: a fan of classic airliners and airlines who enjoys exploring their history through my collection of die-cast airliners. If you enjoy the site please donate whatever you can to help keep it running: